About 2.4% of the population experiences neuropathy. As much as 8% of the older population experiences neuropathy. With such a wide range of causes, it’s challenging to determine the correct treatment for patients.
This article discusses the efficacy of supplements in treating neuropathy. These ingredients have shown promising signs and are all research-backed. They can potentially help you regain nerve control and eliminate neuropathy symptoms.
Yet, not enough evidence exists to assert their effectiveness as neuropathic treatments definitively. Continue reading to learn about whether nerve supplements help with neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves outside the brain become damaged and cause weakness, pain, numbness, and tingling. Patients with neuropathy typically feel these sensations in their outermost extremities, such as their feet.
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending information to your brain and spinal cord system. It also sends information to your central nervous system. When damage occurs to this connection, neuropathy can result.
Infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic issues, diabetes, exposure to toxins, and genetic inheritance can all cause neuropathy.
Neuropathy Treatment
Neuropathy treatment typically focuses on managing the condition rather than curing it. Some supplements show promising signs in their ability to treat neuropathy. However, research is ongoing. Supplements typically have fewer side effects, and the side effects are often less severe than other traditional treatment methods such as medication.
However, regardless of the supplement, patients should speak with their doctor before taking a supplement. Anyone who experiences severe side effects as a result of supplementation should discontinue use immediately.
The following supplements have shown promising results when treating symptoms of neuropathy. Some evidence suggests these supplements can also prevent neuropathy from occurring or reverse nerve damage.
Vitamin B-12
Some foods contain B-12, and it is wise to try and implement it into your diet because it aids proper nerve function and red blood cell production. People deficient in B-12 are at a higher risk of developing neuropathy and other nervous system disorders.
Some drugs can lead to B-12 deficiency, including:
- Metformin (Glutmetza, Riomet, others), a drug used to treat type-2 diabetes
- Stomach-acid reducing proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid 24 HR, Prilosec OTC, and others)
- Stomach acid-reducing histamines (H-2) blockers (Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, others)
The link between B-12 supplements and diabetes treatment isn’t yet clear. Some smaller studies show that B-12 supplements can reduce pain and other sensations such as numbness and tingling. However, other studies show that B-12 supplements don’t help those who suffer from neuropathy and don’t have a B-12 deficiency.
You can also get B-12 from regular sources such as fish, lean, red meat, and vitamin-packed breakfast cereals.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is found in many foods, and it prevents or reduces the damage that occurs from the oxidative process in the body. Oxidative stress is a primary cause of neuropathy-related nerve damage.
A few small studies show that Alpha-lipoic acid can reduce neuropathic pain, improve performance on reflexive tests, and improve other areas. However, larger-scale studies are needed to determine alpha-lipoic acid’s efficacy.
The scientific community generally considers Alpha-lipoic acids as a safe supplement. However, people should not take alpha-lipoic acid if they are thiamin-deficient. You should avoid alpha-lipoic acid if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
You can get substantial amounts of alpha-lipoic acid from leafy greens such as broccoli and spinach.
Acetyl- L- Carnitine
The kidneys and liver produce acetyl- l – carnitine. This chemical compound reduces oxidative stress, and many researchers believe it is involved in cell function and regeneration.
A few studies showed that people with diabetic neuropathy had reduced pain in their movements and other sensory problems. They also showed improvements in neurological testing. Notably, these studies showed the treatment’s effect was more significant when the patients started treatment early in the condition’s progression.
Acetyl-l-carnitine supplements are typically considered safe when you take them as directed. However, some side effects include nausea, vomiting, or agitation. You should not use this supplement if you take warfarin, a blood-thinning medication. Acetyl-l-carnitine can also make hypothyroidism worse.
Magnesium
The Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy stated that magnesium could help with chemotherapy-related neuropathy. However, as with the other substances on this list, more research is needed to determine magnesium’s full effects.
A Nutrients study found that people who had higher levels of magnesium were less likely to experience neuropathy. On the other hand, a 2013 study found conflicting results. In this study, researchers found that giving magnesium and calcium to chemotherapy patients didn’t improve neuropathic symptoms.
You can attain magnesium from dark chocolate, nuts, avocadoes, and legumes, as well as from supplements.
Calcium
The Foundation for Peripheral neuropathy also suggests calcium could aid in chemotherapy-related neuropathy. Smaller studies show that it can improve symptoms, but a survey found in Nutrients found calcium did not affect chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
You can obtain calcium from your daily diet by eating and drinking dairy products.
Healthy Diet Helps Improve Neuropathy
Research examining the relationship between neuropathy and a healthy diet is ongoing. However, If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, eating a healthy diet can help minimize symptoms and even reverse neuropathic symptoms.
Physical Activity
Exercise is essential for both blood sugar and neurological reasons. Increasing blood circulation from activity can help strengthen nerve tissue.
Immobility can also make neurological matters worse by causing muscular atrophy and muscle tightening. Both of these processes lead to increased neurological pain and decreased neurological function.
Conclusion- Do Nerve Supplements Really Help Neuropathy?
Evidence exists that supports all of these supplements as an effective treatment for neuropathy. However, their validity hasn’t been confirmed by enough evidence. Supplements such as Nerve Control 911 show promising results, but we need more extensive studies to prove their efficacy.
The good news is, these supplements aren’t harmful to those who take them. You should always consult with a physician before taking any supplements, but the ingredients in this article shouldn’t cause any harmful side effects.